Mosquito repellent for kids is another concern to parents since some of these are manufactured with chemicals. We all know that our young ones’ skin is sensitive and gets easily irritated with chemicals in their lotions or creams. Parents would want to protect their children from insects and pests inside their home.

Thus, they would look for the most reliable ﻿mosquito killer devices﻿﻿ and products to protect their children from these harmful insects like mosquitoes. They would prioritize those products or devices that will not cause harsh side effects to their kids.

If you are planning to have a mosquito repellent for your kids, then you have to know your options, and be aware of the safety precautions during the application of it.

What Attracts Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by the emitted carbon dioxide, lactic acid, body warmth and body odors. Female mosquitoes are notorious for sucking human blood. This is because they depend on human blood for the successful development of their eggs.

As it sucks its blood, a mosquito will also release its saliva onto us. When you use a mosquito repellent, the carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other body odors that attract mosquitoes are disguised or made repulsive to the mosquitoes.

Kinds of Mosquito Repellent

A mosquito repellent will be sold in the form of an aerosol, cream, soap, lotion, grease or oil and it can be applied to body, clothing, bed nets and camping equipment.

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A point of caution for mosquito repellents that you apply on your skin is that you should always first apply on a small skin area to test for any reaction or sensitivity. After a few hours of no reaction, you may comfortably use it on the rest of your body.

Natural Mosquito Repellent

As parents, you want to be in control of everything when it comes to your child’s safety. This is a reason for you to be aware of the different mosquito repellents available in the market. First, you can go natural. There are homemade repellent recipes available online that are simple and easy to prepare.

The common ingredients being used are mainly plants and its oils. Recommended herbs for these repellents are bay leaves, pennyroyal, rosemary, and of course, the eucalyptus. You can do a search online for the step by step preparation of these natural homemade repellents.

Lotions And Sprays

Also, there are available lotions and sprays that are chemically prepared to protect your kids from Mosquito and pest. The most common ingredients are DEET and Picaridin.

DEET is applied onto skin and is available in liquid, spray and lotion form and is the most effective mosquito repellent. DEET was first formulated in 1946 for use by the U.S. Army. It has since been used successful for repelling mosquitoes.

According to EPA, short term exposure to DEET is not harmful to humans. Picaridin is as effective as DEET but most people prefer it to DEET as they consider it to be less harsh. These are the type of repellents that you have to apply directly on your child’s skin.

Electronic Mosquito Repellent

The last type is the electronic mosquito repellent. There are several choices under this category, and the most common used inside the house are the ultrasonic repellents. These ultrasonic devices can also kill mice, rats and even cockroaches inside your house.

If you’re into handy stuff, there’s an item called sonic mosquito repellent that is battery powered. This sonic type mosquito repellent is designed for you to always be protected while you are mobile. These are only a few of the best electronic mosquito repellents that you can use.

Safety Precautions

So what are the things that you have to remember in buying a best mosquito repellent for kids? You have to always check the label to see if the product is suitable for children. There are some solutions that are so strong that may irritate your child’s skin.

Also, be reminded that children under two months of age should not have repellents applied on their skin. Once you read the label and if you find it unclear to you, then you should apply only small amount of the product on your child’s skin. Make an observation on how your child reacts to the solution applied.

Useing Tips

Take note that your mosquito repellent may lose its effectiveness because of:

Using too much sunscreen in body

Dilution from rain and swimming

Excessive body sweating

Evaporation caused by high temperatures and wind

To ensure your child’s safety, you have to be mindful of these precautions. First, avoid applying lotion or spray repellents to open cuts or wounds. In cases that it happens, wash it immediately and see a doctor to check it.

Do not apply repellents to facial areas and on the hands. Younger kids are fond of putting their fingers into their mouth, and that makes it dangerous.

Be reminded that most of the repellents can only give your child protection within 5-6 hours. Even if they are already protected with lotions and spray, you have to avoid exposing them to areas where mosquitoes and other insects commonly harbor.

Always be in control of your child’s safety, consider the best mosquito repellent for kids.